How to Fix Circuit Board Diodes
Diodes allow electric current to flow in one direction and prevent it from flowing in the opposite direction. This makes it useful for a number of applications including power supplies, radios and other electronic circuits. Excessive current or voltage will damage the semiconductor material the diode is made of and the diode will no longer work. A diode on a circuit board cannot be "fixed". The only repair for a damaged diode is to replace it. The replacement diode must be the same as the original in most applications.
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Instructions
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Determine the correct orientation of the diode on the circuit board from the existing diode's markings or the circuit board legend. A dark band near one end of a diode indicates the cathode. The symbol for a diode on a legend or schematic is an arrow pointing at a perpendicular line. The arrow points at the cathode end of the diode.
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Plug in the soldering iron and allow it to heat up. Place the end of a piece of solder wick where a diode lead connects to the circuit board and heat it briefly with the soldering iron. The wick will soak up the melted solder.
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Pull the diode lead from the circuit board hole before the remaining solder hardens. Apply the wick and the iron to the other diode lead and remove that lead from the circuit board as well.
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Insert the replacement diode leads into the two holes on the circuit board ensuring the diode has the same orientation as the original. Bend the diode leads slightly to hold them in place in the holes.
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Apply the iron briefly to one diode lead and let it heat for a few seconds. Remove the iron from the lead and immediately touch the solder to the lead. If the solder does not melt, heat the lead again. Only heat the lead enough to melt the solder onto the lead, the pad surrounding the hole and into the hole. Use care not to overheat the diode leads or add more solder than is necessary. Repeat this for the other diode lead.
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Tips & Warnings
If you heat the solder pad on the circuit board too long it can damage the board and the pad will detach.
